Chances are this may be your first time hiring a Disc Jockey Service. If so, it's in your best interest to gather all of the information possible to receive the most value for your money. There are many variables to consider when choosing a quality Disc Jockey Entertainment Service. Quality and value go hand in hand. It can be tempting to select a Disc Jockey Service who has the LOWEST price. Not all professional Disc Jockey Services are created equal and one shouldn't make their selection for Disc Jockey Entertainment based on the LOWEST price.

Some of the major factors to take into consideration when searching for quality Disc Jockey Entertainment are as follows: How many years of experience do the Entertainers have? Is the Disc Jockey Service a full-time company that relies on referrals and their reputation to attract new customers? Will the Disc Jockey service give you the personal attention you deserve in customizing your event? Does the Disc Jockey Service have an investment in the latest technology of equipment for better performance and reliability? Does the Service have the right amount of song selections to choose from? Is the Disc Jockey Service insured with back-up provisions of equipment and personnel? Last but not least, does the Service accommodate day and/or evening consultation appointments to audition and interview the Service?

We hope you find this information useful in making your selection in a quality Disc Jockey Service. Below is list of questions to help you interview prospective Disc Jockey Services.

      1. Will the Disc Jockey Service provide a written Entertainment Agreement?

     2. Will the Disc Jockey performing at your event meet with you in person to assist in planning your event?

     3. Is the Disc Jockey Service a part-time or full-time business?

     4. Will the Disc Jockey Service allow you to see them perform at another event?

     5. How many years of experience does the Disc Jockey Service have?

     6. Will the Disc Jockey Service provide you with references?

     7. Will the Disc Jockey be dressed in the appropriate attire?

     8. How early will the Disc Jockey arrive to set-up?

     9. Will the Disc Jockey act as a M/C - Master of Ceremonies and a Coordinator of special events?

     10. Is the Disc Jockey Service equipped with professional pro audio gear?

     11. What type of music is available?

     12. How does the Service handle song selections that may not be available in their music inventory?

     13. Does the Disc Jockey accommodate song requests?

     14. How will a light show enhance my event?

     15. What is an intelligent light show?

     16. Does the Disc Jockey Service have back up provisions in the event of an emergency?

     17. Is the Service insured?

     18. Once we have hired a DJ Service, when should we finalize our planning process?

          ...Additional Tips!                          

     1. Will your Disc Jockey Provide a written entertainment agreement?

It is very important to confirm your booking in writing. Terms should be clearly defined in the agreement. Specifics of location, times, rates, packages, method of payment, terms, extension of time, and other pertinent information should be listed in the written agreement to protect both parties.

     2. Will the Disc Jockey performing at your event meet with you in person to assist in planning your event?

Some Disc Jockey Services are focused on sales volume and have several DJs working for them, which can result in employee turnover. The Service may be unable to offer the skill, expertise and accessibility in planning your event and providing you with the personalized service that you deserve.

Another factor to consider with the prospective Disc Jockey is to inquire if they will ensure that the Disc Jockey you meet with will be the actual Disc Jockey performing at your event and they will not be sub contracting their work to another Disc Jockey.

Your Disc Jockey should have a genuine interest and desire in helping to plan all aspects of the entertainment at your event.

     3. is the Disc Jockey Service a part-time or full-time business?

As opposed to a part-time Disc Jockey Service, which may be a hobby or a sideline occupation, a full-time service will have the focus, energy, dedication, time and expertise to offer the customer the attention and the resources needed to ensure your event is successful.

     4. Will the Disc Jockey Service allow you to see them perform at another event?

With respect to the client's private party the Disc Jockey Service should give the full attention and focus their party deserves when performing. However, the prospective customer should be able to audition the Disc Jockey Service with a personal one on one consultation, with references available, videos of past performances and to see the different equipment packages that the service may offer.

     5. How many years of experience does the Disc Jockey Service have?

This is a commonly asked question. The question should be how many events have you performed at? A seasoned DJ will have performed at hundreds of events. There are some real pros in the Chicagoland market that have played at over 1000 events. You may want to treat yourself to a real pro!

     6. Will the Disc Jockey Service provide you with references?

A good DJ service will have current references. The list that they provide for you should have at least five names and not be more than six months old. This is a good indicator of the quality you can expect. If you are not comfortable with calling strangers, ask if they have any Banquet facilities, photographers, or video services that recommend them. Most Banquet facilities, photographers and videographers work with a lot of different DJ services every weekend.

     7. Will the Disc Jockey be dressed in the appropriate attire?

For Black Tie events such as Wedding Receptions a professional Disc Jockey should be properly dressed in tuxedo attire. For other elegant occasions, such as Corporate Parties and Awards Banquets suit and tie is appropriate. For Graduations, Birthday Parties or Outdoor Corporate functions Business Casual is acceptable.

     8. How early will the Disc Jockey arrive to set-Up?

As a general rule, Disc Jockey Entertainers should arrive a minimum of at least one and a half hours to two hours before the start of your event. This will allow the Disc Jockey Service ample time to test all components, make adjustments for optimal sound performance and to review your itinerary with the other vendors that you have hired.

     9. Will my Disc Jockey act as a M/C - Master of Ceremonies and a Coordinator of special events?

Your Disc Jockey should act as a M/C - Master of Ceremonies to handle all introductions, special announcements and/or dedications. In addition, he or she should coordinate any special activities throughout your event to allow you the freedom you deserve, to enjoy your party and not have the burden or worry of having to lead or orchestrate the event.

An articulate and eloquent M/C is vital. Someone who will represent you professionally and confidently because ultimately his or her actions will be a reflection on you and your event.

     10. Is the Disc Jockey Service equipped with professional pro audio gear?

What are some of the brand names to look for? BIAMP, CREST, CROWN, DENON, EAW, EV, JBL, MARTIN, QSC, RANE, SENNHEISSER, SHURE and YAMAHA are the preferred professional choices of DJs. If the DJ tells you name brands that you can buy at the local electronic store (Best Buy, Circuit City etc.) chances are they are not using pro audio gear. Home Hi-Fi gear is not made to hold up to the demands of repeat performances of professional use.

     11. What type of music is available?

A professional Disc Jockey Service that entertains throughout the greater Chicagoland area should be equipped and ready to go in any direction musically as needed. The service should be able to accommodate all ages and offer a wide variety of song selections that span from the 40's on up to today's hottest hits. A good size professional DJ library in today's times should have a minimum of 20,000 song selections. The different styles a versatile and experienced professional Disc Jockey should carry include: Big Band Swing, Next Generation Swing, R&B, Jazz, Blues, Disco, Oldies, Motown, Alternative, Freestyle, Pop, Rock, Soul, Country, Club Music, Hip Hop, Techno, Progressive, Underground Club, Reggae, House, Trance, Funk, Ballroom Dances such as Rumba, Cha- Cha, Tango, Fox Trot, Waltz, Ethnic Music such as Polkas, Irish Jigs, Horas, Greek Line Dances, Tarantellas, a Latin library with Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Cumbia, and many more.

     12. How does the Service handle song selections that may not be available in their music inventory?

A professional Disc Jockey Service with an established music library should be able to accommodate your song selections.

Arrangements should be made for a consultation with your Disc Jockey approximately 4 -8 weeks prior to your event to review your play list, and to ensure the song(s) that may be in question are available. In the event your song selection(s) may fall out of the mainstream and into an obscure category your Disc Jockey should be happy to play your CD(s).

     13. Does the Disc Jockey accommodate song requests?

The Disc Jockey should honor song requests that will enhance your dance party. A skilled Disc Jockey will use his or her instincts, by making the right programming decisions and piecing in the dance requests that will not disrupt the momentum and timing of your dance party.

Trusting your Disc Jockey to accommodate the appropriate song requests is vital to the success of your event.

     14. How will a light show enhance my event?

Through our experience we have found that a good light show will help draw a crowd to the dance floor. There are two things you want your light show to do: make the dance floor warm and inviting and bring a higher level of excitement and interaction to your dance party.

     15. What is an intelligent light show?

Intelligent lighting is computer-controlled lighting that is utilized throughout all sectors of the entertainment industry. These light shows can be seen at most major concerts, in many dance clubs and on many television awards shows. There are some upscale Disc Jockey services that offer this type of sophistication.

One example of the many possibilities with intelligent lighting, are the tight beams of rich colors with brilliant optics coupled with Gobo patterns (moon, stars, etc) that are programmed and synchronized in smooth movements on ceilings, against walls and on floors to compliment all tempos of music; slow, medium or fast.

Another example that we can give based on our experiences with intelligent light shows, is the enhancement of Bridal Introductions by using Robotic Follow Spots over the crowd (as many as six). This makes a terrific first impression and will captivate a great response every time from your guests. It can take Bridal Introductions to a whole new level.

Intelligent lighting will add excitement, energy and ambience to the elegance of your event!

     16. Does the Disc Jockey Service have back up provisions in the event of an emergency?

Chances are nothing will happen at your event, but if it does, is your Disc Jockey Service prepared to trouble shoot the problem and is the Service equipped with BACK UP EQUIPMENT ON SITE AT YOUR EVENT. Companies that claim their back up equipment is at the DJ Service headquarters with staff on call will pose a much longer delay in the recovery time.

Being properly equipped should consist of extra cables, fuses, basic tools, CD players, speakers, an amplifier and a mixer, etc.

     17. Is the Service insured?

If the service is professional and reputable, they will be insured. Most DJ services will at least have liability insurance for $1,000,000. Not all Disc Jockey Services have their equipment insured and it's best to go with the companies that do.

     18. Once we have hired a DJ Service, when should we finalize our planning process?

Typically one to two months prior to your event is sufficient. It is necessary to verify the details of your event. Some of the pre-planning should include: the itinerary, musical selections, specialty dances, dedications and/or any other areas you may need assistance from your Disc Jockey.